Salvador Dali Christ of St. John of the Cross Gold Sculpture Signed Edition of 500

Artist: Salvador Dali
Title: Christ of St. John of the Cross
Medium: Sculpture in Gold, Mounted on Green Marble
Size with marble base: 14.75" H x 6" x 6"
Size without base: 13.5" H x 5.25" W x 5" D
Edition: 6/75 AP + Standard Edition of 500
Publisher: Published by Vestart, Ltd.
Date: 1981
Inscription: Etched edition number and signature
Documentation: Includes Certificate of Authenticity and original sales paperwork

Salvador Dalí's "Christ of St. John of the Cross" is an exquisite sculpture rendered in 18-karat gold and mounted on a polished green marble base. This piece exemplifies Dalí's masterful exploration of religious themes, reflecting his profound interest in the intersection of spirituality, science, and symbolism. The sculpture stands as a three-dimensional homage to Dalí's iconic 1951 painting of the same name, reinterpreting the dramatic depiction of Christ's crucifixion with the surrealist's characteristic reverence and innovation.

Standing at 14.75 inches in height, including the base, the sculpture embodies the dramatic and emotive qualities that define Dalí's artistic oeuvre. The use of gold as the primary medium imbues the work with a sense of sacredness and opulence, underscoring the spiritual significance of the subject matter. Dalí's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the sculptural form, capturing the delicate balance between human suffering and divine transcendence.

This sculputure is number 6/75 artist's proof (AP) crated in the series in addition to the standard limited edition of 500. It bears Dalí's etched signature and edition number, affirming its authenticity and connection to the artist's hand. Published by Vestart, Ltd. in 1981, the sculpture comes with a certificate of authenticity and original sales documentation, ensuring its provenance. Additionally, this particular example is purportedly part of the esteemed "Clot Collection", a series of sculptures authenticated by Dalí's friend and collaborator, Robert Descharnes. Descharnes' close involvement with Dalí and his oversight of the collection's production process lend further credibility and historical significance to the work.

Dali's "Christ of St. John of the Cross" sculptures were cast using the ancient lost-wax casting method, a technique chosen by Dalí for its precision and ability to capture fine detail. Crafted in the Bonvicini family foundries in Verona, Italy, and Mibrosa in Barcelona, Spain, the sculptures remain true to Dalí's original vision, with the same artisans and facilities involved in their creation.

"Christ of St. John of the Cross" exemplifies Dalí's ability to blend technical mastery with profound thematic depth. It is a rare and striking addition to any collection, offering a tangible connection to one of the 20th century's most visionary artists.

About Salvador Dali

Salvador Dali was born in Figueres, Spain, in 1904. Recognizing his talent early on, his family encouraged his artistic pursuits. In 1917, Dali's father showcased his charcoal drawings in their home, and the following year, Dali held his first public exhibition at the Theatre in Figueres. In 1960, Dali purchased this theatre and transformed it into a museum dedicated to his work.

In 1922, Dali moved to Madrid to study at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, where he began to gain recognition for his cubist works and his eccentric personal style. He held his first solo art exhibition in Barcelona in 1927, which was well-received by both the public and critics.

Until 1929, Dali experimented with various styles. Although some themes from his early work persisted throughout his career, he was not considered a surrealist until he officially joined the surrealist group in 1929. In 1931, Dali painted "The Persistence of Memory," featuring melting clocks. This painting became not only his best-known work but also the most famous surrealist piece ever created. However, tension grew between Dali and the surrealist group due to his less political stance and his belief that surrealism should exist independently of politics. This led to criticism from his contemporaries, who disapproved of the commercial appeal of his work. In the 1930s, Dali became increasingly interested in large-scale installations, including his 1939 "Dream of Venus" at the New York World's Fair.

Dali passed away from heart failure in 1989 and was buried in a crypt beneath the stage at his museum in Figueres. In his final years, he continued to create art and work on his museum.